Fifteen protesters showed up Tuesday outside of the studio where David Letterman tapes his talk show program.

NEW YORK (CNN) - A protest rally against David Letterman over a failed joke about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her daughter attracted more members of the media than protesters Tuesday afternoon.

A crowd of 15 protesters upset with the late night comic held signs and occasionally shouted as they stood across the street from Letterman's studio.

But they were often hidden from view by the more than 35 members of the media there to cover the protest, and out-shouted by a few very vocal counter-protesters.

Radio talk show host John Ziegler - who is behind the FireDavidLetterman.com Web site that organized the protest, and who is an outspoken supporter of the former Republican vice presidential candidate - told reporters that the turnout at the event was not representative of the number of people who have responded to his site and e-mailed.

He also argued that Letterman should have been fired, and the only reasons that he hasn't been fired were "the media's love of David Letterman and the media's distrust and, I believe, hatred of Sarah Palin."

He also called Letterman's apology - issued on Monday's program and accepted by Palin - bogus and said that the comedian should make a charitable donation to an organization of Palin's choosing.

Ziegler made a film about the 2008 presidential campaign called "Media Malpractice: How Obama Got Elected and Palin Was Targeted."

soundoff(98 Responses)

labman57

If you don't care for Letterman or found his jokes about the Palins offensive, that's your right. If you felt his explanation was disingenuous, fine. Don't watch his show.

But the notion that CBS would or should entertain the thought of pulling the plug on his show, or even reprimand him or his writers, is delusional. The idea that anyone who still enjoys watching Letterman must hate all women is a bunch of self-serving hyperbole.

June 16, 2009 11:29 pm at 11:29 pm |

anderson n carolina

A protest without protesters! The media following a non-story all week. This is too funny.

June 16, 2009 11:31 pm at 11:31 pm |

Chris

As usual, Sarah Palin's supporters think they have more support than they actually do.

Why am I not surprised..

June 16, 2009 11:32 pm at 11:32 pm |

Tim

"Ziegler made a film about the 2008 presidential campaign called 'Media Malpractice: How Obama Got Elected and Palin Was Targeted.'"

This guy should read about Occam's Razor...instead of thinking that the election was an outright conspiracy, how about the simple truth....America liked the other guy more. No conspiracies please.

June 16, 2009 11:32 pm at 11:32 pm |

Martin

No one came because no one takes it seriously. It was a bad joke, she called him on it, he apologized. End of story. How many so-called comedians are there that have said way worse and NOT apologized? Too many to count.

Her and her camp need to stop trying to milk Letterman's mistake. It's not like she's the first politician have jokes bounced off of her, and she won't be the last.

June 16, 2009 11:39 pm at 11:39 pm |

nadine

What's a John Ziegler oh yeah a guy trying to get into Palins pants. Deal with it Ziegler, David Letterman Rocks, you and Palin suck. We win. Go home loser.

I think Ziegler is more interested in self promotion. Clever boy,John!

June 16, 2009 11:46 pm at 11:46 pm |

E Joyce

Sigh. The media conspiracy theory and strategy has no weight, but it is how the Republican party and the right biased radio and TV personalities justify their poor behavior. This strategy of blame by the party of NO is tired.

June 16, 2009 11:47 pm at 11:47 pm |

Bob

It is the fans who love david letterman. john ziegler fire yourself. david letterman is a funny man.

June 16, 2009 11:48 pm at 11:48 pm |

Paul

And the number one sign your protest will fail...

1. It relies on people who aren't disgusted by Sarah Palin.

June 16, 2009 11:52 pm at 11:52 pm |

Will, NJ

Don't these people have anything better to do than protest a comedian for telling jokes?

June 16, 2009 11:53 pm at 11:53 pm |

Bill

15 protesters? Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

June 16, 2009 11:54 pm at 11:54 pm |

Jason T.

Why is this woman still relevant? Seriously, what good has she done?

Also, don't these people have better things to do? I mean, if you're going to protest something, protest something that could actually make a difference. Gotta love how some people will push free speech when someone on their side says something off-kilter (failure to America, anyone?), but when the opposing side says something, everyone's up in arms and they should lose their job for it. This can be said for hardcore conservatives as well as liberals.

Either way, it was a harmless joke. No political motivation or anything. It's the Palins' fault for not teaching their kids about safe sex and effectively making them a punching bag for comics.

June 16, 2009 11:55 pm at 11:55 pm |

Andrew J

Mr. Ziegler is a nut and crazy man. This phony outrage is unbelievable.

June 16, 2009 11:55 pm at 11:55 pm |

Steve

Ziegler must be in luv wit Sarah Palin, Letterman apologized, Sarah accepted, what honour is fighting 4, we know where his loyalties lies, but that sh'dnt stop any1 else 4rm havin a laugh at Sarah's shortcomings

June 16, 2009 11:56 pm at 11:56 pm |

Margo Simms

I agree with Zimmy. Will Palin and all her white trash kids please leave the stage. I am a conservative repub an I can't stand to watch any of them. She has exploited her kids way more than Dave ever could.

June 16, 2009 11:57 pm at 11:57 pm |

tedious898

Is this the biggest problem we have in this country? Where are the tea bags when you need them?